Mocha Nanaimo Bars

INGREDIENTS

Serves 9 bars

CRUST

½ cup butter

¼ cup sugar

5 tablespoons cocoa powder (you can add 1 tbsp of instant coffee if you want a stronger mocha flavor)

1 egg, beaten

1 ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs

1 cup sliced almonds, chopped

½ flaked coconuts

MIDDLE LAYER
½ cup softened butter

2 tablespoons custard powder

5 teaspoons heavy cream

2 tablespoons instant coffee

2 cups powdered sugar

CHOCOLATE GANACHE 
2 tablespoons butter

6 ounces chocolate

Cocoa powder, for garnish

PREPARATION

CRUST

1. In a bain-marie, melt the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder.

2. Stir in the egg and keep stirring for a minute until the mix thickens.

3. Remove the bowl from heat.

4. Add the graham cracker crumbs, the almonds (chopped finely), and the coconut flakes.

5. When well mixed, pour into an 8 x 8-inch pan and flatten until you get an even layer.

MIDDLE LAYER
1. Cream the custard powder, softened butter, cream, and instant coffee until smooth.

2. Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

3. Pour mixture on top of the crust and spread it until you get an even layer.

CHOCOLATE GANACHE
1. In a bain-marie, slowly melt the chocolate and the butter.

2. Cool it down a little bit then pour over middle layer.

3. Chill the bars for at least 3 hours.

4. Cut them into 9 even squares and sprinkle each one with cocoa powder.

5. Enjoy!